Who joins gangs?
Gang members generally range in age from 13-21 years old, but can be as young as 9 years old. Those who join gangs often have low self-esteem, feel unloved at home, do porely in school, and have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others. Many come from single-paren homes. Most gang members are boys, but 10% of all gang members are girls and the number is growing.
Gang members generally range in age from 13-21 years old, but can be as young as 9 years old. Those who join gangs often have low self-esteem, feel unloved at home, do porely in school, and have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others. Many come from single-paren homes. Most gang members are boys, but 10% of all gang members are girls and the number is growing.
Gang members generally range in age from 13 to 24 years old, but can be as young as 9. Gangs can include all ethnic groups. Many gang members are boys, but 10 percent of all gang members are girls and the number is growing. There are several risk factors or conditions that increase the likelihood of a youth becoming involved with a gang. • Lack of connection with family, community, schools, faith-based organizations. • Living in an area with a high level of gang activity. • Lack of a positive support system at home. • Violence against family members. • Exposure to TV shows, movies, video games and/or music that glorify violence. • Lack of participation in alternative activities, such as community, school or faith-based youth programs. • Low self-esteem and/or a sense of hopelessness about the future. • Poor decision-making and communication skills. • Too much unsupervised free time. • Lack of respect for authority (parents, teachers, law enforcement officers).
Gangs are not restricted to one ethnic or socioeconomic group. They cross neighborhood boundaries, and exist in all areas of the state. Both boys and girls get involved in gangs. Potential gang recruits may suffer from a poor self-image or low self-esteem, and may feel isolated from their peers. While some kids may be actively recruited, some join the gang by default–they are never discouraged from getting involved in the lifestyle. Many gang members have infrequent contact with positive adults; the gang begins to replace their families. Why do kids join gangs? Kids join gangs for many reasons, and the circumstances differ with each individual member. Common reasons for a child to join a gang include: • Low self-esteem • Family Issues • Peer Pressure • Respect/Recognition • Excitement • Protection / Fear • Family Involvement • No Discouragement to Join There is no one thing that will push a child to join a gang, and s/he will not become a hard-core gang member overnight.
